The Cult: Doctrine

Hello everyone! The Cult: Doctrine. Religious doctrine – the written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group. church doctrine, creed, gospel. I never laid eyes on a written copy of the doctrine, if it existed. What I realized over the years is that the Doctrine had a life of its own. That Cult Doctrine grew continuously. The level of paranoia and control grew with the Doctrine. Much of the Doctrine focused on control of life decisions.

The Cult: Doctrine is all about Control

There was phrase instructions on how to answer the telephone. There were food consumption restrictions; no chocolate, caffeine, hot sauce, and hot peppers. Attending Movie Theatres, The Circus or Amusement Parks was forbade. Visiting other Church Congregations was a no no. Restaurant restrictions included Denny’s and Cracker Barrel. There were personal hygiene restrictions. That’s right, there were limitations on how to maintain our own personal hygiene.

No one wore jewelry besides a simple watch. No makeup or pants for females. Sleeves for everyone had to be close to elbow length, no bare arms, no bare legs without socks covering the ankle; Dress lengths are closely monitored; the length was an inch or 2 below the knee. Not too long because that was a worldly fad and not too short or revealing. Monitors were in the vestibule to regulate this before entering the sanctuary. There were undergarments that both men and women wore at all times in the public. No Participation in ride sharing to and from work with sinners.

The Doctrine Persists

To miss service required a call to the “Message Center.” The Message Center a group of sisters taking calls with detailed notes of why we were to miss service. Restricted fellowship size was 10, more required a list of guests that had to be approved by the Leader. This article doesn’t place a dent in the Doctrinal restrictions placed on members. I could continue listing more restrictions. I will stop here. But I’m hopeful that anyone reading this can see how disturbing Cult Doctrine can be. This is real life and people are living in this manner everyday believing they are serving God. Man is in control.

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. ⁹ But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9

^“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Sister Brenda